Break the Silence: 5 Reasons to Consult with a Sexual Harassment Attorney Before Filing a Report

Emboldened by the #MeToo movement, more individuals are coming forward to speak openly about sexual assault and harassment. Countless previously abused or currently abused citizens no longer hide in shame for what another has done to them.

Instead, they are finding their voices.

If you’ve experienced sexual harassment at work, it’s vital you speak to a sexual harassment attorney. These professionals can protect you from further harm and navigate the complex laws surrounding these cases.

If you’re curious exactly what an attorney could do for you, read on.

Understanding Sexual Harassment

Recent studies declare 81% of women and 43% of men have experienced sexual harassment at some point in their lives.

Sexual harassment is a real and dangerous scenario that affects all aspects of life. Even those in entrepreneurial positions face these obstacles. Unfortunately, when it occurs in the workplace, many victims are afraid to speak out for fear of losing their position.

An attorney can help assuage these fears. But first, it’s important to understand what, exactly, sexual harassment is and is not.

The term covers a broad range of acts, including:

Inappropriate comments and/or gestures

Unwelcome touching

Lewd jokes

Having your job threatened unless sexual acts are carried out

Being forced to perform sexual favors

Once a situation escalates to a point where the workplace is hostile, offensive or contains adverse employment decisions as a result of the acts, it is considered harassment.

However, offhand comments, teasing, flirting and infrequent incidences not of a serious nature are not considered sexual harassment.

If you have experienced any form of sexual harassment, speak to a lawyer.

How a Sexual Harassment Attorney Can Help

Harassment attorneys do more than push paperwork. In fact, for victims of sexual harassment at work, they can be the very thing that protects you from further victimizing.

1. Protecting Yourself

More importantly than possibly anything else, a sexual harassment attorney has the power to keep you protected.

Once you come forward with a report, retaliation is a real possibility. According to findings from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 75% of employees who brought attention to mistreatment experienced some form of retaliation.

Although this is illegal, without the proper legal advice and help, individuals may be too fearful to bring the acts to the attention of the proper authority. Furthermore, they may not know how to go about informing the right people or pursuing a new claim.

An attorney ensures you don’t experience retaliation and, if you do, he or she will pursue legal action.

2. Compiling Evidence

Unfortunately, many victims of sexual assault or harassment fail to come forward immediately. Reasons vary from feelings of shame to fear of the litigation process itself.

As a result, DNA evidence and other means of proof are sometimes beyond the scope of possibility. An attorney helps in this area, as well.

Although it’s best to bring any documents and evidence you have to the lawyer when you meet, these professionals are equipped to assess the documentation you’ve gathered, prepare it for scrutiny and gain further proof of your claim.

Additionally, he or she may be able to compile further evidence bolstering your case. Information about past issues, documents emphasizing the hostile environment, witness testimonies and more are oftentimes obtained to strengthen a case.

3. Other Policies

Many times, employers have their own policies regarding sexual harassment. It is vital a victim follows these procedures.

If these policies are not followed, the company may not be held liable for any findings. Even if an investigation occurs and the harasser is found guilty, the company is exempt from any wrongdoing.

An attorney checks each step is adequately fulfilled before a claim goes further, which protects you and your rights. In filing a formal report through the company, it proves the business knew about the issue.

4. Deadlines, Paperwork, and Representation

All litigation suits contain strict deadlines and piles of paperwork. To navigate the complex web of regulations and limitations, an attorney is practically required.

EEOC claims are taken very seriously. In fact, the EEOC will interview witnesses themselves and create their own investigation. If the smallest thing is amiss, the entire claim may be thrown out.

Attorneys make sure everything is submitted on time and is court-ready, saving you additional time and stress, which you are most likely already experiencing.

Sexual harassment cases are stressful endeavors. The sexual encounters themselves often lead to PTSD, depression, anxiety and other mental illnesses that impact daily life.

The case itself may intensify this emotional anguish, especially in the event of mediation or other such meetings. Without a lawyer during these proceedings, the victim is left to represent him or herself.

Adding the requirements of a legal investigation and case on top of the normal after-effects places an additional and needless burden on the victim.

By letting a lawyer represent them, victims avoid the unnecessary stress associated with the case.

5. A Deeper Understanding

Finally, sexual harassment attorneys provide knowledge and assistance. They are available to answer your questions, provide advice about what to do or not to do while at work and prepare you for the entire process.

Although this sounds minimal, this wealth of expertise provides nearly instant relief to the harassed employee. He or she will know exactly what to expect, what to do and how to act.

In addition, proficient harassment lawyers warn clients about common defense tactics, such as discussing the victim’s sexuality and past. For those who have never encountered such proceedings before, these methods can be shocking, embarrassing and disturbing.

A skilled attorney comprehends the hurdles you will face, and he or she will adequately prepare you for them.

Break the Silence

Don’t blame yourself for the unwanted advances of others or downplay an escalating situation. Harassment occurs every day, but if individuals fail to speak out about their experiences, it will only continue to fester within workplaces across America.

A sexual harassment attorney has the knowledge and expertise to protect your rights and finding one has never been easier.

If you’ve experienced sexual harassment, it’s time to find your voice. Contact a lawyer today, then visit our blog to discover more knowledge you need.